The pasta cookers are an adaptation of a fryer, using similar stainless steel enclosures. Typically, two “fryer” units are placed side by side, and one side serves as the cooker and the second as a means of washing away excess starch. Automatic fryer lift baskets are used to lower and raise the baskets, so that cooking time is controlled. The basket of pasta is then placed into the second water bath for rinsing and holding, and a swing-away faucet is used to rinse away the starch.